The Lipizzaners of Sâmbăta
Gorgeous stallions, famous for their elegance, nobility, and volcanic temperament, display their grace in the heart of Transylvania. White and majestic, the Lipizzan horses have earned their fame through their perfect beauty and rhythm, special qualities that bring fame to the world’s great parades and most famous equestrian schools.
In a huge garden once leased by Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, a stud farm with more than one hundred years of tradition now claims world titles. Seven of the breed’s eight lines are bred at Sâmbăta de Jos, which makes this place one of the most important centers of Lipizzan horses in the world.
Included in the UNESCO heritage, the tradition of breeding Lipizzan horses in Făgăraș is ancient, dating back to the 18th century, when it was passed on through the system of studs and stallion depots of the Habsburg Empire. Everything flourished once the imperial stud farm from Mezőhegyes was relocated to a domain on the Olt Valley. On October 8, 1920, the Romanian state established the Sâmbăta de Jos State Stud Farm, with the finest horses brought from Lipica in Slovenia or from breeders in the villages of the Făgăraș Land.
At Sâmbăta de Jos, seven of the eight lines of the breed are raised, making it one of the most important Lipizzaner horse centers in the world.
The Lipizzaner horse breed originates from the Iberian Peninsula and was introduced to Romania in the 16th century by Transylvanian nobles. These horses were bred to be used in royal ceremonies and for riding, but they quickly gained popularity for their beauty, elegance, and agility. Lipizzaner horses are now considered one of the most valuable horse breeds in the world and are bred in stud farms worldwide, including the Sâmbăta Stud Farm.
Intelligence and docility
Lipizzaner horses are known for their elegant beauty, as well as their supple and graceful gait. They stand at about 1.50 meters tall and weigh on average 400-500 kilograms. Their coat is usually white or light gray, with large, expressive eyes. Lipizzaner horses are extremely strong and in excellent physical condition, making them ideal for riding, dancing, and other activities. The landscape around the Sâmbăta Stud Farm is as stunning as the Lipizzaner horses. This area is located at the foothills of the Făgăraș Mountains and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and forests. In addition, the Sâmbăta Stud Farm is surrounded by green lands and rivers, making it a paradise of peace and tranquility.
The majestic landscape at the foothills of the Făgăraș Mountains perfectly complements the beauty of the Lipizzaner horses. The white or light gray horses of the stud farm seem to have been created specifically to be admired in the midst of this mountainous landscape, and the excursions in the area become a true experience for those passionate about beauty.
In addition, the beauty of the Lipizzaner horses is not just cosmetic. These horses are extremely intelligent, docile, and easy to train, making them ideal for riding or other forms of entertainment. Furthermore, the Lipizzaner breed is known for its longevity, so these horses can be reliable companions for a long period of time.
